Aimed at encouraging children aged 2 to 12 to eat more healthily, the guide asks food outlets to make simple changes such as including at least one portion of fruit and vegetables in every meal, and replacing sugary drinks with water or milk.

Food Standards Scotland chief executive Geoff Ogle said: ‘With around 31% of our young people at risk of becoming overweight or obese, parents are looking for healthier options for their children. Caterers who have specific children’s menus can help encourage them to make healthier choices.’

Minister for Public Health, Maureen Watt, addd: ‘It’s clear we all need to do more to support children and young people to eat a healthy diet.’

‘Publication of this healthier catering guide fulfills one of the commitments set out in our Supporting Healthy Choices framework to put children’s health first.

FSS is also providing advice for small catering businesses by publishing simple catering sheets tailored for different types of establishments to help them improve their cooking practices to provide healthier options.